Imagine transforming a humble cauliflower into a show-stopping centerpiece that will make your dinner guests gasp with delight! This Greek-inspired Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Lemony Whipped Feta is not just a side dish—it's a culinary adventure that turns a simple vegetable into a crispy, golden masterpiece topped with a creamy, tangy feta sauce that will revolutionize the way you think about vegetables.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole cauliflower
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup feta cheese
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 garlic clove
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Ensure the rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even roasting.
- Carefully trim the green leaves from the cauliflower base, keeping the core intact. Rinse the cauliflower thoroughly under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels.
- Place the whole cauliflower on a large baking sheet. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the entire surface, using your hands to massage the oil evenly into all the crevices and florets.
- Season the cauliflower generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- Roast the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes. The outer edges should become golden brown and crispy, and a knife should easily pierce the center when it's done.
- While the cauliflower roasts, prepare the lemony whipped feta. In a food processor, combine feta cheese, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Blend the feta mixture until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
- Once the cauliflower is roasted, remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a serving platter and generously spread the whipped feta around and over the cauliflower.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill, and a final drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Tips
- Choose a fresh, firm cauliflower with tight, white florets for the best roasting results.
- Pat the cauliflower completely dry before oiling to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Use a high-temperature oven (425°F) to achieve those irresistible golden-brown edges.
- Don't rush the roasting process—allow the cauliflower to develop a deep, caramelized exterior.
- For the whipped feta, use room temperature ingredients to achieve a smoother, creamier texture.
- Taste and adjust the feta sauce seasoning before serving to ensure a perfect balance of flavors.
- Let the roasted cauliflower rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the interior to settle and become more tender.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
